WorldFirst vs Airwallex

Finding the best global payment solution for you

Both WorldFirst and Airwallex gives you multi-currency operations. But they're built differently.

WorldFirst provides seamless payments to international suppliers, dedicated client support, unlimited World Card cashback, and same-day competitive transfers — all in one World Account. Airwallex provides similar services, with variations.

WorldFirst vs Airwallex

Finding the best global payment solution for you

Both WorldFirst and Airwallex gives you multi-currency operations. But they're built differently.

WorldFirst gives you multi-currency operations, dedicated support, and cashback with our World Card, competitive FX rates, and one unified account for cross-border businesses. Airwallex global account covers similar grounds with variations.

WorldFirst vs Airwallex

Finding the best global payment solution for you

Both WorldFirst and Airwallex gives you multi-currency operations. But they're built differently.

WorldFirst provides seamless payments to international suppliers, dedicated client support, unlimited World Card cashback, and same-day competitive transfers — all in one World Account. Airwallex provides similar services, with variations.

Pricing Comparison

Pricing

Account setup

US$0

US$0

Subscription fees vary, depending on plan chosen

Ongoing fees

US$0

US$0

Transaction fees

Domestic SGD payments: $0

Domestic payments (non-SWIFT): US$1

SWIFT transfers: From US$5

Domestic FAST payments : S$0

SWIFT transfers : from US$15-$23

1688 and Taobao payment fees

0.8% with World Pay, exclusive to WorldFirst

0% FX admin fees with World Card on both platforms

Can only pay Chinese suppliers with an RMB-enabled corporate card

FX conversion fee not specified for both platforms

Currency conversion fee

Up to 0.6% on major currencies (lower fees may apply for higher volumes.)

From 0.4% and up

Receiving fees

US$0

Mostly free; some currencies incur a fee

Withdrawal fees

US$0

US$0

Transfers within the same network

World Account to World Account: US$0

Airwallex Account to Airwallex Account: Free

Business card spending cost

US$0 when paying from a held currency balance

Up to 0.6% on major currencies

US$ for payment from a held currency balance

0.4% and up

Business card cashback

Up to 1.2% cashback on all eligible payments, uncapped*

Up to 1% cashback, capped

Business card annual fee

US$0

Issue up to 25 corporate cards

US$0 for business and corporate card

Varying monthly fees for paid plans

Issue up to 10 corporate cards

Pricing

Account setup

US$0

US$0

Subscription fees vary, depending on plan chosen

Ongoing fees

US$0

US$0

Transaction fees

Domestic SGD payments: $0

Domestic payments (non-SWIFT): US$1

SWIFT transfers: From US$5

Domestic FAST payments : US$0

SWIFT transfers : from US$15-$23

1688 and Taobao payment fees

0.8% with World Pay, exclusive to WorldFirst

0% FX admin fees with World Card on both platforms

Can only pay Chinese suppliers with an RMB-enabled corporate card

FX conversion fee not specified for both platforms

Currency conversion fee

Up to 0.6% on major currencies (lower fees may apply for higher volumes.)

From 0.4% and up

Receiving fees

US$0

Mostly free; some currencies incur a fee

Withdrawal fees

US$0

US$0

Transfers within the same network

World Account to World Account: US$0

Airwallex Account to Airwallex Account: Free

Business card spending cost

US$0 when paying from a held currency balance

Up to 0.6% on major currencies

US$0 for payment from a held currency balance

0.4% and up

Business card cashback

Up to 1.2% cashback on all eligible payments, uncapped*

Up to 1% cashback, capped

Business card annual fee

US$0

Issue up to 25 corporate cards

US$0 for business and corporate card

Varying monthly fees for paid plans

Issue up to 10 corporate cards

Product Comparison

Feature

Multi-currency account

Multi-currency account

Hold 20+ currencies including CNH, MYR, THB and AED

Hold 20+ currencies

FX rates and tools

FX rates and tools

Offers real-time FX rates, rate monitoring, rate locking and live rate alerts

Provides currency conversions and live rate monitoring

Payments to China

Payments to China

Pay Chinese bank accounts in CNY/CNH/USD, with funds arriving same-day, or instantly to another WorldFirst account

Pay 1688 and Taobao suppliers instantly

Limited CNY payout capabilities

Marketplace collections

Marketplace collections

130+ marketplace and payment gateways

Not specified

Multi-currency card

Multi-currency card

Bulletpoint No FX fees for 15 major currencies

Bulletpoint 1.2% unlimited cashback + 0% FX admin fees

From 0.4%

Accounting software integrations

Accounting software integrations

Xero and NetSuite

Xero and NetSuite

Card payment currencies

Card payment currencies

150+

130+

Compliance and security

Compliance and security

60+ global licences

60+ global licenses

Singapore-based support

Singapore-based support

Phone, email, live chat

Help centre, email

Information accurate as of [*] 2025. The information contained is general only and largely our views. Before acting on the information you should consider whether it is appropriate for you, in light of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Although information has been obtained from and is based upon multiple sources the author believes to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy and it may be incomplete or condensed. All opinions, estimates, mentioned products/services and referenced material constitute the author’s own judgement as of the date of the briefing and are subject to change without notice. WorldFirst shall not be responsible for any losses or damages arising from your reliance of such information.

Why you should open a World Account

The experts at sending money to China

Send payments directly to your suppliers in China - as fast as same day, in USD or CNH. Pay partners on 1688.com in CNY instantly using your WorldFirst account balance. No more 3-5 day waits.

The experts at sending money to China

Send payments directly to your suppliers in China - as fast as same day, in USD or CNH. Pay partners on 1688.com in CNY instantly using your WorldFirst account balance. No more 3-5 day waits.

The experts at sending money to China

Send payments directly to your suppliers in China - as fast as same day, in USD or CNH. Pay partners on 1688.com in CNY instantly using your WorldFirst account balance. No more 3-5 day waits.

Hold in multiple currencies with no monthly fees

Open multiple single-currency accounts instantly - USD, CNH, MYR, THB and more - with no setup or monthly fees. Each currency account contains its own bank details. Hold funds and pay suppliers in their local currency to avoid the double-conversion trap.

Hold in multiple currencies with no monthly fees

Open multiple single-currency accounts instantly - USD, CNH, MYR, THB and more - with no setup or monthly fees. Each currency account contains its own bank details. Hold funds and pay suppliers in their local currency to avoid the double-conversion trap.

Hold in multiple currencies with no monthly fees

Open multiple single-currency accounts instantly - USD, CNH, MYR, THB and more - with no setup or monthly fees. Each currency account contains its own bank details. Hold funds and pay suppliers in their local currency to avoid the double-conversion trap.

Fuel your business growth with real rewards

Enjoy 1.2% unlimited cashback on your digital ads and subscription services. Save more with 0% FX fees charged on foreign transactions. Unlock more rewards on transactions powered by Mastercard.

Fuel your business growth with real rewards

Enjoy 1.2% unlimited cashback on your digital ads and subscription services. Save more with 0% FX fees charged on foreign transactions. Unlock more rewards on transactions powered by Mastercard.

Fuel your business growth with real rewards

Enjoy 1.2% unlimited cashback on your digital ads and subscription services. Save more with 0% FX fees charged on foreign transactions. Unlock more rewards on transactions powered by Mastercard.

Lower fees. Better cashback. More savings.

Avoid intermediary bank fees

Accept payments directly into your account, bypassing extra charges. Plus, no account fees or minimum balances.

Reduce costly transfer fees

Send fast, low-cost international payments with our transparent fee structure.

Earn up to 1.2% uncapped cashback on all spend

For every eligible business transaction you make on your World Card, you’ll get up to 1.2% cashback, every month.

Fewer barriers. More opportunities.

Get paid like a local

Receive funds in 20+ local currency accounts and eliminate forced conversions. Payments settle within minutes and hours.

One account for global revenue

Instead of opening and handling individual bank accounts in different countries, manage all transactions from one centralised account.

Faster access to new markets

We’ve partnered with 130+ global marketplaces and payment gateways – including Amazon, Etsy, TikTok Shop and AliExpress – so you can launch faster and start reaching new customers without the usual delays.

WorldFirst scales with your business

How Keababies handles payments in multiple currencies

WorldFirst is able to provide us with a multi-currency World Account, that allows us to make and collect payments in various countries and currencies on a single platform.

Ivan Ong

Founder / Keababies

How Tantex saved 70% on transaction fees by using WorldFirst

International payments used to be really cumbersome and it was also expensive. For each transaction with WorldFirst, we do save about 70% which is thousands.

Janice Tan

Director / Tantex

Saving up to $5,000 a month with WorldFirst

It gives us that flexibility to use one card across multiple currencies. We pay for all our subscription costs, our Amazonad vertising, as well as general office bills.

Georgie Kerr

Founder / Elk & Friends

The simpler way to pay and get paid

Save money, time, and have peace of mind when expanding your global business.

WorldFirst (Singapore) Merchant Services Pte. Ltd. (Company Registration No. 201735998W) (‘WorldFirst MS’) is registered in Singapore and licensed as a Major Payment Institution under the Payment Services Act 2019 with license number: No.PS20200443, by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

‘WorldFirst MS’ registered office is located at 128 Beach Road, #20-01 Guoco Midtown, Singapore 189773.

© WorldFirst 2025, All rights reserved.

WorldFirst (Singapore) Merchant Services Pte. Ltd. (Company Registration No. 201735998W) (‘WorldFirst MS’) is registered in Singapore and licensed as a Major Payment Institution under the Payment Services Act 2019 with license number: No.PS20200443, by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

‘WorldFirst MS’ registered office is located at 128 Beach Road, #20-01 Guoco Midtown, Singapore 189773.

© WorldFirst 2025, All rights reserved.

WorldFirst (Singapore) Merchant Services Pte. Ltd. (Company Registration No. 201735998W) (‘WorldFirst MS’) is registered in Singapore and licensed as a Major Payment Institution under the Payment Services Act 2019 with license number: No.PS20200443, by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

‘WorldFirst MS’ registered office is located at 128 Beach Road, #20-01 Guoco Midtown, Singapore 189773.

© WorldFirst 2025, All rights reserved.